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I am 9 weeks post-rhizotomy and have been in unbearable pain since the procedure. The neurologist was running late, all rooms were filled and the waiting room was standing room only. The procedure was supposed to take 2 hours, but instead I waited for 2 hours and was subjected to a 20 minute procedure without any sedative. The pain is so intense I vomit numerous times a day, I have lost 20 pounds. I was hospitalized because my sodium level became dangerously low. During the hospitalization I was started on steroids which helped until I was weaned off of them after a few days. The neurologist is trying to release me and refers me to the ER for pain and nausea relief, the ER treats me like an addict and says that they don't treat chronic pain while trying to pump fluids into veins that are almost too small to find. I need help and don't know where to turn.

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2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:9 weeks post-rhizotomyI am 9 weeks post-rhizotomy and have been in unbearable pain since the procedure. The neurologist was running late, all rooms were filled and the waiting room was standing room only. The procedure was supposed to take 2 hours, but instead I waited for 2 hours and was subjected to a 20 minute procedure without any sedative. The pain is so intense I vomit numerous times a day, I have lost 20 pounds. I was hospitalized because my sodium level became dangerously low. During the hospitalization I was started on steroids which helped until I was weaned off of them after a few days. The neurologist is trying to release me and refers me to the ER for pain and nausea relief, the ER treats me like an addict and says that they don't treat chronic pain while trying to pump fluids into veins that are almost too small to find. I need help and don't know where to turn.

First, forget about the ER. If you haven't been through a comprehensive pain management program, then get a referral. Just be certain that in addition ot injections, they offer things like biofeedback, TENS, acupuncture, PT, etc. Ask your PM physician or your family doctor/internist to prescribe. You have a better chance of getting the medication you need from someone who knows and trusts you.

I hate to say this, but rhyzotomy (a.k.a. radio frequency ablation) has a 40%-60% success rate, depending whether you have had spine surgery). I had a huge increase in pain for more than a year after mine. My next MRI resembled a road map of New Nersey, because of scarring from those huge needles. Some of it impinges my S1 nerve root years later. The latest research reveals the low success rate of this procedure: http://www.painphysicianjournal.com/2009/july/2009;12;699-802.pdf . Like the spinal cord stimulator and intrathecal infusion pump, all other invasive procedures should be a last-reort option.

cweinbl
csw2@bex.net

Thanks for your Reply!

Report This| Share this:9 weeks post-rhizotomyFirst, forget about the ER. If you haven't been through a comprehensive pain management program, then get a referral. Just be certain that in addition ot injections, they offer things like biofeedback, TENS, acupuncture, PT, etc. Ask your PM physician or your family doctor/internist to prescribe. You have a better chance of getting the medication you need from someone who knows and trusts you.

I hate to say this, but rhyzotomy (a.k.a. radio frequency ablation) has a 40%-60% success rate, depending whether you have had spine surgery). I had a huge increase in pain for more than a year after mine. My next MRI resembled a road map of New Nersey, because of scarring from those huge needles. Some of it impinges my S1 nerve root years later. The latest research reveals the low success rate of this procedure: http://www.painphysicianjournal.com/2009/july/2009;12;699-802.pdf . Like the spinal cord stimulator and intrathecal infusion pump, all other invasive procedures should be a last-reort option.

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